Kanchenjunga, if you don’t know, is the third highest mountain in the world standing 8586 meters tall. The snow giant of Kanchenjunga lies in eastern Nepal. The mountain borders with Sikkim, a place in India.
Trekking to the base camp of Kanchenjunga is one of the most beautiful experiences you’ll have in your lifetime. Mt. Kanchenjunga is an amazingly beautiful mountain that makes a perfect trekking and climbing destination.
Kanchenjunga is a beautiful blessing of nature: it is filled with incredible natural diversities. During Kanchenjunga base camp trekking, you’ll undoubtedly see the amazing eastern Himalayan arrays in Nepal. Along with that, you will witness some mesmerizing rivers, waterfalls, grasslands, glaciers, and beautiful terrains.
The region is also rich in biodiversity and wildlife. Trekking through the untouched remote trekking trails of Kanchenjunga, you’ll walk across beautifully scattered plant species. Also, there are chances that you will see some amazing wildlife species. If you are lucky, you’ll also see some rare animals like the Snow Leopard and ironically the mystic creature Yeti.
Only the natural amazements aren’t sufficient to define Kanchenjunga base camp trek. The trek is filled with cultural amazements also. While trekking through the small and beautiful villages in Kanchenjunga, you’ll know how splendid is the ancient traditions and culture there. Since the place is remote and untouched by modernism, people still practice their ancient lifestyle. They have their own unique culture and social norms.
Some of the major ethnic groups that you’ll come across during Kanchenjunga trekking are the Rai and the Limbus. You’ll see how harmonious and peacefully they balance their lifestyle in such a wilderness.
Highlights of Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking
- Kanchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world.
- The amazing Himalayas and striking glaciers.
- The wide summer meadows.
- The base camps of Kanchenjunga: both the north and south ones.
- The less trodden wild trekking trails.
- Incredibly diverse nature and culture.
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Kanchenjunga Base Camp Height
There are two base camps of Kanchenjunga: The Kanchenjunga South Base Camp and The Kanchenjunga North Base Camp.
The Kanchenjunga North base camp also called Pang Pema is at an altitude of 5140 meters. Whereas, the Kanchenjunga south base camp is lower than the northern base camp. It is situated at an altitude of 4610 meters.
Is Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Difficult?
Kanchenjunga trekking is a remote and restricted area trekking in Nepal. Unlike the popular treks likeEverest base camp and Annapurna base camp trek, Kanchenjunga trekking is a less popular trek route.
It is because of the remoteness of Kanchenjunga and the unavailability of teahouses and homestays for accommodation that makes the trek tougher.
Besides, altitude is a factor that adds difficulty. With altitude comes the risk of altitude sickness. Take precautions against altitude sickness as you go above 2500 meters.
Health and hygiene is something that you should strictly look upon while trekking in Kanchenjunga. Trekkers easily fall sick if they don’t pay attention to their food and drinks.
Weather and temperature become frequently variating as one moves to the higher altitudes. So, you should bring adequate trekking gear while you trek.
The sightseeing in Kathmandu includes visiting some of the popular UNESCO World heritage sites in Kathmandu valley. Some of them are Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Patan Durbar Square, Changunarayan Temple, and a few others.
After a full day sightseeing, we will ride on a night bus to Ilam.
From Ilam, we will drive for nearly 7 hours to Ranipul, Taplejung. From there, we will start to trek. We will walk for around 30 minutes to Sakathum. Overnight there.
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Highest Altitude: 2490 meters
Starting from Sakathum, we will trek via the incredibly beautiful trekking trails to Amjilosa. The walk is easy and enjoyable. Overnight in Amjilosa.
Trek Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Highest Altitude: 2730 meters
On this day, we will walk via the beautiful trekking trails from Amjilosa leading us to Gyabla. The trail is scenic and quiet. Enjoy the walk. Overnight in Gyabla.
Trek Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Highest Altitude: 3410 meters
Remember, we are gradually gaining altitude. Be careful while you walk from Gyabla to Ghunsa. The trail is highly scenic. Walking through the remote trails is a uniquely satisfying experience. After walking for about five hours from Gyabla, we will reach Ghunsa. Overnight there.
Acclimatization in Ghunsa is mandatory. You will be reaching higher altitudes on the days to come. You might have to claim a full stop to your trek if your body cannot cope with the increasing altitude. On the rest day, we will take short hikes to nearby places. This will help our body to get acquainted with the lower oxygen.
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Highest Altitude: 4050 meters
Today, you will be exceeding the 4000 meters. Trek slow. Enjoy the astounding Himalayan views. The tranquility, the incredible fragrance of nature, and that awesome bonding! You’ll love it. Drink plenty of water. Walk slowly and gradually. Overnight at Kambachen in a tent.
Here comes an acclimatization day, soon again. This acclimatization day at Kambachen is a lovable one. On this day, you can hike for 5 to 6 hours to Nupchu Pokhari. Or, you can hike to Mt. Janu viewpoint from where you’ll get the majestic glimpse of Mt. Janu. Hiking to Janu viewpoint will take four hours appx.
Trek Duration: 5 hours
Highest Altitude: 4780 meters
Day nine, and you are closest to the north base camp of Kanchenjunga. Tomorrow, you will reach the base camp itself. You will be sleeping at a really high altitude today. Make sure you drink plenty of water. Overnight in your tent at the campsite in Lhonak.
Trek Duration: 3 hours
Highest Altitude: 5140 meters
Trekking to the base camp is full of excitement and adventures. You will see the incredible Himalayas in your proximity. Finally, you are taking steps ahead towards your destination. How would it feel?
The north base camp of Kanchenjunga is a place where you would like to stay forever if you could. Enjoy your moment on the lap of giant Mt. Kanchenjunga. Overnight at the base camp.
Trek Duration: 6 to 7 hours
Now that you’ve reached the base camp, it’s time to hike down. Trekkers tend to hurry and thus get injured mostly on their way back. So, you must walk carefully while you trek back. Walkthrough the peaceful trekking trails to Kambachen. Overnight there.
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
On this day, you will follow back your footsteps to Ghunsa. Rejoice the incredibly splendid natural vistas as you trek down. Overnight in Ghunsa.
Trek Duration: 6 to 7 hours
It’s again a long day. We will start early after a happy breakfast. We will walk through the beautiful forests and settlements to Amjilosa. Amjilosa is a place where there are the Tibetan inhabitants. You’ll see several Gumbas there. Overnight there.
Trek Duration: 5 hours
From Amjilosa, we will trek to Sukathum. There is a small market and some lodges in Sukathum. We will stay in one of them.
Trek Duration: 7 hours
You walk for seven hours from Sakathum to Ilam and you will not have to walk anymore. This is the last day. Tomorrow, we will be driving back to Kathmandu. Ilam is a really beautiful place with a pleasing weather and huge tea gardens.
Overnight at a lodge in Ilam.
So finally, the trek ends as we drive from Ilam to Kathmandu. It will take us nearly nine hours to drive back to Kathmandu.
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